Nankai University Undergraduate Scholarship Programs for International Students, China 2026
Nankai University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, welcomes international students to its undergraduate programs through its innovative “1+3” educational pathway. This program allows students to begin with a comprehensive foundation year at the School of International Education (SIE), followed by three years of specialized study in their chosen major. Upon completing all academic requirements, students are awarded a graduation certificate. For Chinese-taught programs, students must achieve HSK Level 6 with a minimum score of 180 before graduation.
Nankai University is a prestigious public research university located in Tianjin, China, founded in 1919. It is known for its strong programs in economics, business, chemistry, mathematics, and liberal arts, and is considered one of China’s top universities with a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation. Nankai has a vibrant campus life and a large international student community, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university emphasizes research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global partnerships, and has produced many influential scholars, scientists, and leaders in China and abroad.
Degree Level
- Undergraduate
Available Subjects
Nankai University offers 41 undergraduate programs taught in Chinese, with a standard duration of 4 years (5 years for medical programs). Applicants can select two programs in order of preference, although Business Economics and Business Administration accept only first-choice applications.
Benefits
Scholarship Programs
Nankai University offers multiple scholarships for international students:
Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A) – Apply via your home country’s Chinese embassy while completing the Nankai University online application.
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship – Exclusive for International Chinese Language Education majors; requires pre-admission and scholarship application at cis.chinese.cn.
Tianjin Government Scholarship / Study-at-NKU Scholarship – Applicants must indicate interest in the scholarship during the online application. Funding includes tuition subsidies and additional fees. Deadline: May 30.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Nankai University’s undergraduate programs, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport, in good physical and mental health, born before September 1, 2008.
Completion of senior high school with excellent academic performance.
Minimum Chinese proficiency of HSK Level 4 (score ≥180).
Compliance with Document No. 12 (2020) issued by China’s Ministry of Education.
Application Procedure
CSCA Examination: All applicants must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), evaluating readiness for their chosen major.
Online Application: Submit all required documents through the Nankai International Students Application System.
Review and Interview: Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview assessing language proficiency and overall competencies.
Admission & Payment: Admitted students (excluding Chinese Government Scholarship recipients) must pay a 400 RMB application fee and tuition. Tuition prepayment is mandatory, and failure to complete payment may result in revocation of admission.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit all documents in Chinese or English. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Required documents include:
Passport information page (valid until at least Sep 1, 2027)
High school diploma and transcripts (notarized with translation if needed)
CSCA examination score report
Personal statement
HSK Level 4 certificate
One recommendation letter
Supplementary materials demonstrating abilities
Physical Examination Record for Foreigners (after Nov 2025)
Proof of financial capability
Non-criminal record certificate
Application Period
The application window is October 20 to June 30.
Visa Application
Admitted students will receive the Admission Notice and JW201/202 Form starting July 2026. Students must apply for an X1 visa and convert it to a student residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China.
Fees
Application Fee: 400 RMB (exempt for Chinese Government Scholarship recipients)
Tuition: 20,000–35,000 RMB/year
Accommodation: 1,000–3,000 RMB/month
Medical Insurance: 800 RMB/year (mandatory)
Nankai University’s undergraduate programs provide international students with a solid foundation and specialized training in a diverse range of fields while offering scholarship opportunities to support their studies in China.
